Drawing upon lessons learned from a pilot study presented last year at APHA, we discuss preliminary findings from a subsequent study that involves a participatory action research approach to systematically investigate the experience of "living with breast cancer" from the perspective of African American women from rural eastern and urban central North Carolina. To achieve this, the study incorporates a sequence of photography and photo-discussion groups.
More specifically, participants are given cameras and "photo assignments" to reveal specific aspects of living with breast cancer (e.g., "Photograph challenges you encounter as a survivor"). After completing the assignments, participants come together to interpret their photographs for one another. Essentially the photos "trigger" in-depth discussions about the evolving needs of breast cancer survivors that might normally be difficult or even impossible given the stigma that is often associated with breast cancer in African American communities. Content analysis is then used to identify the themes that emerge during these photo-discussion groups.
In order to prompt social action, information and themes that emerge from these photo-discussion groups are disseminated via public showings, presentations and articles. The ultimate goal is to raise public awareness about the evolving needs of African American breast cancer survivors, and to provide a more accurate depiction of survivorship so that appropriate support services and products can be developed and provided.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant should be able to: 1) recognize the need to focus on the post-treatment period of breast cancer survival 2) describe a participatory action research strategy to gain insight into breast cancer surviviorship 3) understand how the use of photography can open dialogue about an issue that is surrounded in silence
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Photovoice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.